Special Tools for Special Needs: New Technologies Help LD Kids

In This Article:

A wide variety of assistive technologies are available for use both in the classroom and at home, including electronic and graphic organizers to help kids structure and communicate their ideas, talking electronic systems to pronounce challenging words for students with a reading disability, and portable keyboards for students who have difficulty writing by hand. Other useful AT tools include:

Talking calculators, or calculators with large keys and displays for children with poor eyesight

Text-to-voice or voice-to-text software for children with communication problems

It's important to keep in mind your child's specific needs when considering an AT product. The right service should make use of his abilities to help compensate for his disability. For example, if your child is articulate in speaking, but has poor grammar and spelling, a speech-recognition software program that converts spoken words to text will make use of his speaking skills and help him put his thoughts in writing. The National Center for Learning Disabilities offers four components to consider when deciding on AT:

The individual who needs the technology, along with his specific strengths, limitations, and interests

The tasks or functions the AT is expected to perform

Where the AT will be used (school, home, etc.)

Ease of operation, reliability, portability, and cost of the AT device

An AT assessment may be conducted by your child's school or an independent agency, to help you determine which tools might work best for him.

what’s hot

highlights

7 Tips to Childproof Your Smartphone
Before you hand over your smartphone or tablet, follow these childproofing tips to help keep both your child and your device safe.

Find Today's Newest & Best Children's Books!
Looking for newly released books for your child? Try our new Book Finder tool to search for new books by age, type, and theme, and create reading lists for kids!

11 Survival Tips for Summer Boredom
When the kids are home all day, every day, summer boredom strikes hard and fast. Learn the best summer boredom busters for children of all ages.